Oakwood University will welcome NAACP Image Award Winner and American Book Award Recipient Dr. Michael Eric Dyson to the campus on Tuesday, March 17, 2009. Dyson, who was named one of the 150 Most Powerful African-Americans by Ebony magazine, has written several best-selling books including April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America (2008) and Know What I Mean?: Reflections on Hip Hop (2007).

In addition to being a renowned author, Dyson has lectured at some of the nation's most reputable universities and has been featured on television programs such as NBC's The Today Show, Nightline on ABC, and The Tavis Smiley Show. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee and his master's and doctoral degrees from Princeton University. He is currently University Professor of Sociology at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Dyson will be the guest speaker for Chapel on March 17 at 9:50 a.m. in the Oakwood University Church. This event is open to the public. Chapel will be immediately followed by a book signing in the Moseley Complex, and an invitation-only luncheon.